Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum offers a fascinating window into the prehistoric past. Designated a National Natural Landmark, this active excavation site and museum features Ice Age fossils, live paleontology labs, and engaging exhibits that bring ancient Los Angeles to life.

Recommended For

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is ideal for:

  • Science and history lovers interested in paleontology and Ice Age creatures.
  • Families looking for interactive educational experiences in Los Angeles.
  • Students and educators exploring Earth science, evolution, or California history.
  • Nature and botany enthusiasts curious about prehistoric ecosystems and plant life.

What Are the La Brea Tar Pits?

  • This world-famous site features naturally occurring asphalt (tar) pits that have preserved fossils for tens of thousands of years.
  • Over one million fossils have been discovered here, including saber-toothed cats, mammoths, dire wolves, and ancient plant life.
  • The pits remain active excavation sites, where visitors can observe paleontologists working in real time.

Exhibits and Attractions

  • La Brea Tar Pits Museum: Open since 1977, the museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions with reconstructed skeletons, fossils, and multimedia displays about the Ice Age.
  • Observation Pit: Designed by Harry Sims Bent in 1954, this space contains real fossils and is part of the popular Excavator Tour.
  • Fossil Lab: Watch scientists clean, catalog, and study fossils through glass walls—offering a behind-the-scenes look at paleontology in action.
  • Pleistocene Garden: This outdoor garden recreates the prehistoric landscape of Los Angeles using plants identified from fossil evidence, including sage, buckwheat, and pine.

Notable Permanent Exhibits

  • Dire Wolf Exhibit: Features over 400 skulls from this now-extinct predator, one of the most common species found at the site.
  • Smilodon Exhibit: Showcases the fearsome saber-toothed cat with a complete skeleton and interactive content.
  • Ground Sloth Exhibit: Reconstructs the massive prehistoric ground sloth using bones found in the tar pits.
  • Camel Exhibit: Displays fossils from two extinct camel species, including the towering Camelops hesternus.
  • Condor Exhibit: Highlights bones from the extinct largest bird of prey once native to North America.
  • Coyote and Bison Exhibits: Explore the prehistoric versions of modern animals, from seasonal bison migrations to the evolution of the coyote.
  • Other highlights include exhibits featuring mammoths, horses, and more.

Educational Programs

  • Ice Age Encounters: A dynamic 15-minute performance combining film, narration, and a saber-toothed cat puppet to tell the story of the Ice Age.
  • School field trips: Coordinated through the museum’s education team, trips may include guided tours, access to the Observation Pit, and performances.
  • Free Museum Days: The museum participates in the SoCal Museums Free for All initiative, offering access to a wider audience.

Planning Your Visit

  • Location: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
  • Phone: 213-763-3499
  • Website: tarpits.org
  • Hours & Admission: Visit the website for current hours, ticket prices, and tour availability.
  • Tip: Don't miss the Fossil Lab and Pleistocene Garden—two standout experiences unique to this site.

Learn more about the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

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